China's ascent to superpower status in technology is one of the most consequential trends in the world today. In his new audiobook, "Global Tech Wars: China's Race to Dominate" published by Pushkin and the Financial Times in April 2025, James Kynge travels to China, the US, Taiwan, Germany, Netherlands, Nigeria and other countries to interview the winners and losers behind this world-shaping geopolitical theme.
The stories and insights he uncovers in this new book form the basis for his captivating, up-to-the-minute presentations on China's technological rise. His central question is whether the DeepSeek phenomenon, which rocked the world in early 2025, represents a harbinger of China's global lead in technology. James is a multi-award winning former Financial Times journalist and author.
He spent a total of nearly 20 years living in China, most recently until 2022, and speaks Chinese. His 2009 book, "China Shakes the World", was an award-winning bestseller translated into 19 languages. During his 28 years at the Financial Times, he was at various times Beijing Bureau Chief, Global China Editor and Emerging Markets Editor, roles that involved reporting on China's economic take off, its growing geopolitical heft and its impact on the wider world.
James also has experience in business in China, heading up the Pearson Group's media, publishing, testing and tutoring businesses in the country between 2006-2008, a role in which he expanded the company's footprint in China significantly. James is an engaging speaker, able to convey the big shifts in technology, geopolitics, economics and trade while enlivening his delivery with stories about the movers and shakers he has met and interviewed.
